upper class

American  

noun

upper classes plural

1. a class of people above the middle class, having the highest social rank or standing based on wealth, family connections, and the like.

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upper class British  

noun

1. the class occupying the highest position in the social hierarchy, esp the wealthy or the aristocracy

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adjective

1. of or relating to the upper class

2. education of or relating to the junior or senior classes of a college or high school

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• upper-class
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• upper classes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of upper class

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

“We talk about it a lot,” Grace said, “especially since now that the year is ending, our upper class that are graduating are going straight into conflict.”

From Slate • Jun. 24, 2026

"It can feel like you have to be middle to upper class to understand it - but Ballet Nights has made it extremely accessible for everyone."

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

“Poor people are as bad off as in the special period, but a segment of middle and upper class have access to dollars and are not in such bad shape, which causes real social tension.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

A quick peek into butter’s rich history reveals that the humble dairy product was once a luxury reserved for the upper class.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2025

It was as difficult at first for the black upper class to swallow this message as it was for the white leaders of Durham.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• aristocracy
• jet set
• upper crust